John - The most Jewish Gospel

Israel Abrahams was perhaps the most distinguished Jewish scholar of his time.  In 1924 he gave a lecture where he proclaimed that John was the most Jewish of the four Gospels.

John is my favorite of the four Gospels because of its simplicity, yet is has a much deeper often overlooked side. Dr. Elmer Towns said “The Gospel of John seems to be the simplest of all books…. But at the same time, it is the most profound book in the Bible. (Towns, 2002, p. xi)”

Why does Israel Abrahams say it is the most Jewish of the four Gospels? While John is a simple and beautiful picture of the Christ, it has many deep and subtle points that are often overlooked by the modern reader. John alludes to the Old Testament throughout his Gospel, relying heavily on Isaiah, assuming that the reader is already familiar with the Messiah and the prophecies in the Old Testament. John also dates Jesus ministry based upon the Jewish Festivals and feasts (Towns, 2002, pp. xix-xx). Israel Abrahams calls the Gospel of John the most Jewish of the four because is so intrinsically Jewish. John does not have to explain the customs or explain the importance and meaning of the feasts. He assumes that the reader already knows. Another strikingly Jewish reference that could be lost on Modern readers is the “I AM” discourses. John is affirming and Jesus is declaring that he is the messiah (Morris, 1989, pp. 107-125). The most Powerful and direct declaration of his deity is in chapter 8 where Jesus says “⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (Holy Bible (NKJV), 1982). Here Jesus is declaring the he is the God of the Old Testament.
Lastly, John uses the landmarks of Jerusalem in a way that can only be relevant to a Jew of the time that is familiar with them. John’s use of the geography and description of sites also proves that John he was very familiar with the Israel of Jesus’ time. “There are no errors in geography or history found in John. Instead, we find that John is intimately acquainted with Palestine's land, cultures and traditions. (Roberts, 2009) “

The Gospel of John is a simple and beautiful presentation of the Gospel that can be easily understood by a new believer today. The Gospel of John is an incredible deep look into Jesus the Messiah. The Gospel of John is the Word. That is why the Gospel of John is my favorite of the four Gospels.

Bibliography:

Holy Bible (NKJV). (1982). Thomas Nelson.

Morris, L. (1989). Jesus is the Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans.

Roberts, M. (2009). Is John's Gospel Historically Accurate? Retrieved January 18, 2013, from Westside Church of Christ, Irving Texas: http://static.justchristians.com/abundantLife/051996/6.html

Towns, E. (2002). John. Chattanooga, TN: AMG.